Estevao compared to Cole Palmer as Maresca discusses ideal position

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The Football Faithful

·23 October 2025

Estevao compared to Cole Palmer as Maresca discusses ideal position

Estevao Willian has been tipped to become more of a central playmaker like Chelsea star Cole Palmer as Enzo Maresca discussed the winger’s progression.

The 18-year-old impressed during his first full 90 minutes since joining the Blues, scoring from the penalty spot in a 5-1 rout of Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

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Estevao only officially signed for Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer, but already looks like the real deal and a potential star in the making, thrilling the fans with his dribbling and technical ability.

Estevao compared to Cole Palmer as Maresca discusses ideal position

Maresca admitted after the game that he’s been surprised by the youngster’s humility as he looks to nurture his prodigious talent. He added that it will take some time before he is a regular starter in the top flight, with his last start coming almost a month ago.

“Exciting to see him,” the Italian told TNT Sports. “The odd thing about Estevao is with young players you’re worried they have one good game and think they’re top. Estevao is polite, he’s humble, he wants to learn. His family make a big job there. We’re happy not only way with way he performs but he’s a nice boy, a good boy.

“I think in the Premier League he needs a little more time. It’s very similar to Cole Palmer. I had him same age with City’s under-23s. Cole played wide and now he’s inside. Now Estevao plays wide but in the future I think he’s more of an inside player.

“We could have scored more goals – but we tried to manage the game. On Saturday we have Sunderland here. They’re physically strong. We’re happy. Every game is different.”